Boosting Productivity: Leveraging Barcode Technology on Amazon

Boosting Productivity: Leveraging Barcode Technology on Amazon

Unique identification numbers encoded in barcodes must come as no surprise to you if you are a seller already selling on the Amazon marketplace. However, if you are new or are not aware of this technology, this blog is for you. In this blog, we will talk about the challenges that sellers face and how barcodes can be a solution to them. You will understand the process of getting a barcode for Amazon and unlock the trade secret to efficiency. 

The Role of Barcodes in E-Commerce 

Barcodes are machine-readable representations that store information on products and facilitate their unique identification in online and offline marketplaces. Amazon is one such marketplace which requires sellers to have unique product identities for efficient inventory management, quick listing, product tracking, reduced errors, etc. Barcodes encode GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) which allows sellers to seamlessly reach millions of consumers spread in different geographical locations across the globe. 

GTIN is a unique identification number provided by GS1. This is a 13, 12, 14, or 8-digit identification number that is applied to products. GTIN-13 is used on products that are to be sold internationally, GTIN-12 is predominantly used and accepted in Northern America,  GTIN-14 is used for shipments,  and GTIN-8 is used on products with space constraints. 

How Barcodes Enhance Productivity on Amazon

Barcodes play a critical role in increasing Amazon’s productivity. Below are a few of the many advantages which sellers enjoy because of barcodes. 

  • Product Listing and Catalogue Creation – Barcodes play a crucial role in the management and creation of Amazon’s extensive product catalogue. They allow sellers to list their products quickly and efficiently to meet Amazon’s marketplace requirements. 
  • Increased Efficiency and Cost Savings – Each product barcode is scanned using a scanner which minimises the chances of inaccuracy or order delays. This technology automatically boosts efficiency in the supply chain and ultimately reduces costs.
  • Inventory Management – Barcodes streamline your inventory management by accelerating the identification and tracking of shipments in the warehouses. Sellers can easily analyse their inventory levels and make decisions based on the information gathered to avoid overstocking or stockouts at their warehouses. Amazon recommends GS1 barcodes for order identification. GS1 India is the only authorised body to issue barcodes starting with ‘890’ in India. 

Implementing Barcode Technology on Amazon

To implement barcode technology on Amazon first you need to be a registered subscriber of GS1 barcodes. To get registered, follow the below steps – 

Step 1: Register with GS1 India

If you are an Indian company you will have to get registered with GS1 India to obtain barcodes. GS1 India provides globally unique, interoperable and standardised barcodes starting with ‘890’ to companies in India. You can visit their page ‘Get a Barcode’, fill out the form, submit the required documents and pay the registration fees to complete your registration. 

Step 2: Get a Company Prefix 

Once you are registered with GS1 India you will receive an email confirmation with your Global Company Prefix (GCP) number. The GCP is a combination of country code and company code and uniquely identifies each subscriber of GS1 India barcodes. 

Step 3: Generate GTINs

After obtaining your GCP, log in to your DataKart portal and generate GTINs for your products. Every product variant, having a different size, colour, or model, will have a different GTIN.

Step 4: Create and Print Barcodes  

Once you have created GTINs for your products, you can create barcodes for them. You can select from the different barcode formats the type that most suits your requirements and print them. 

Step 5: Apply to Products

After you have printed your barcodes, you can apply those barcodes to your products.

Now that you have applied barcodes to your products, it’s time you list your products on Amazon. To do so, you can follow these quick steps – 

Step 1: Go to the Product Listing Page

Log in to your Amazon Seller Central account and navigate to the product listing page in the inventory section. 

Step 2: Enter Barcode Details in Specified Format 

Enter the GTIN details accurately in the specified fields on the product listing page. It is recommended that sellers provide maximum details about the product such as its weight, dimensions, colour, and other attributes so Amazon categorises them correctly. 

Step 3: Upload Your Data 

Cross-verify the data entered and make sure your data matches GS1 records to avoid data discrepancy and then upload the data. 

Amazon’s Barcode Requirements 

Amazon has certain requirements for barcodes that sellers need to comply with when they list their products on Amazon Seller Central. A few of them are mentioned below – 

Barcodes on products must be clearly readable and scannable for at least 24 months. Sellers need to ensure their barcodes on products do not smudge or fade before the specified period and must use high-quality print paper or laser paper and laser toner with a laser printer.

Each label on products must have barcodes with appropriate quiet zones before and after the barcode. Quiet zones are clear areas that enable quick identification and scanning of products using a scanner. 

Every product must have a unique GTIN that differentiates it from others available in the market. This ensures your products are quickly identified, eliminates confusion and elevates accurate product tracking. 

The barcode label cover must be white as specified by Amazon and should be removable adhesive. 

Best Practices for Barcode Implementation

As the world is shifting to embracing more digital means of tracking and tracing products in the supply chain, 2D barcodes will gain more popularity. These barcodes will allow sellers to provide more information, providing website URLs about their products which ultimately will be helpful in listing their products under correct categories. Additionally, it is recommended that sellers invest in modern equipment and software to stay ahead of the curve which will give them a competitive edge in the market. 

Find below some common pitfalls that sellers must avoid while printing and applying barcodes on their products. 

  • Duplicate Barcodes – Sellers must follow complete vigilance while applying barcodes on their products. They must refrain from using the same barcodes on different products which can lead to inaccurate product listings and inventory mismanagement. Sellers should provide different barcodes for every other product variation. 
  • Misprints and Scanning Issues – Ensure that you are following Amazon’s barcode requirements to mitigate common misprints and scanning issues. 
  • Incorrect Barcode Placement – Barcodes should be placed on a flat surface and should not touch edges. This will ensure that barcodes are read accurately in the process. 

Conclusion 

Obtaining barcodes is a crucial step for anyone who wishes to sell products on Amazon’s marketplace. Barcodes serve as unique identification and facilitate tracking of products. Barcode technology plays an important role for sellers as they benefit from increased productivity, efficiency and most importantly sales.